Monday

Dog Storytime – Monday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. Handler Holly with dog Chula will read with kiddos or visit with them. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. No registration is required. Be sure to call the library (512-327-3045) to confirm if Chula is in and to ask for any last minute cancelations. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.

Crafternoon – Monday, December 19 at 3:30 p.m. Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies, and music. There will be paper crafts, easy sewing, and more fun projects for the whole family. The library provides the supplies; you provide the creativity. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.

Mario Kart 8 Wii U Tournament – Monday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. Compete in APL’s annual winter gaming tournament. Doors open for sign-ups 30 minutes before each tournament and the first 32 people to sign up will be assured a spot. Controllers will be provided but you may also bring your own. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.

Night Crafters (17+) – Monday, December 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. Are you a crafter? Do you wish you were a crafter? Then Night Crafters is for you. Adults only, please. FREE! APL – Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St, Austin.

The Driskill’s 130th Anniversary Celebration – Tuesday, December 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Stop by the hotel for a walk down memory lane, partake in historical tours, and enjoy a taste of The Driskill. Bites of the famous Driskill Cinnamon Roll and signature 1886 Chocolate Cake will be available throughout the day, and historical tours of the hotel will take place at the start of every hour. There will also be photo opportunities to cherish the 130th Anniversary and an archivist will be onsite to record guests’ treasured memories from time spent at The Driskill for posterity. FREE! The Driskill, 604 Brazos St, Austin.

Armstrong Community Music School Storytime – Tuesday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. Come sing songs with one of the talented Early Childhood Development faculty members from the Armstrong Community School. An Armstrong teacher will engage your child with music and movement, plus they’ll read some stories for you too. Perfect for kids up to 6 years old. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.

Mrs. Claus Visits Signing Storytime (Round Rock) – Tuesday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. Mrs. Claus will share her extensive knowledge of American Sign Language during this special storytime best enjoyed by children ages 3-6 and their caregivers. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.

Lego Lab – Tuesday, December 20 at 4:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.

Astronomy on Tap – Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. This December, Astronomy on Tap ATX brings you three exciting talks: Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse! (And exploding stars) by Sarafina Nance; The Biggest Black Holes in the Universe by Prof. Karl Gebhardt; andMaking Our Way through the Multiverse by Dr. Brandon Bozek. In addition, AoTATX#26 will feature Astronomy in the News, trivia, giveaways, an astronomy related art display, the 5th Dimension Books community book store on site, and telescopes on hand to look for exciting objects in the night sky (weather permitting). All ages welcome. FREE! The North Door, 502 Brushy St, Austin.

Community Night at The Thinkery – Wednesday, December 21 from 4-8:00 p.m. At the Thinkery, science and families play side by side. Every Wednesday the museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Cost: Admission is by donation only, with a suggested $1 donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.

Minor Mishap’s Winter Solstice Lantern Parade – Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m. Join in a celebration of light, music, and community on the longest night of the year. Everyone will bring lanterns (flashlight-based, no flames, please) and gather together out in nature, under the dark sky, to celebrate being alive. Won’t that be beautiful? The parade route is extremely short to make it easy for small children and people of all ages to attend. Family-friendly and FREE! Seaholm Power Plant, 300 Bowie St, Austin.

Festival of Trees (RSVP) – Wednesday, December 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Ring in the holiday season with Christmas music, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and beautiful trees during this evening of seasonal joy. Holiday music will be provided by Keys of Life piano students. FREE with RSVP to 512-974-4926. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St, Austin.

Mario Kart 8 Wii U Tournament – Thursday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m. Compete in APL’s annual winter gaming tournament. Doors open for sign-ups 30 minutes before each tournament and the first 32 people to sign up will be assured a spot. Controllers will be provided but you may also bring your own. FREE! APL – Little Walnut Creek Branch

Friday

Tuba Christmas – Friday, December 23 at Noon. Austin families are invited to hear memorable Christmas music played by many different forms of tubas and euphoniums. FREE! Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin.